5 arrested in Babla Sarkar murder case; Suspects hail from Bihar

The investigation into the murder of Trinamool Congress Malda district president and Englishbazar Ward 22 councilor Dulal Sarkar, popularly known as Babla, has led to the arrest of five individuals so far. Police arrested five suspects on Friday, following the earlier detention of two accused on Thursday.

Among the latest arrests, one accused is a resident, while the others hail from different areas, including Katihar in Bihar. The accused from Katihar, Mohammad Sami Akhtar, and another suspect, Tinku Ghosh, from Gabgachhi in English Bazar, were apprehended earlier. Malda Police also confirmed the recovery of five firearms from the newly arrested individuals.

The shocking murder of Dulal Sarkar has drawn a strong response from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who described the incident as "deeply shocking and saddening." She said, "Babla Sarkar and his wife Chaitali worked tirelessly for the Trinamool Congress since the party’s inception. His murder is a result of police negligence."

The Chief Minister revealed that Sarkar's security was previously withdrawn, an act she criticized heavily. Mamata has directed state ministers Firhad Hakim and Sabina Yasmin to visit Malda and oversee the situation. Dulal Sarkar was gunned down on Thursday morning by three bike-borne assailants near his plywood factory in the Jhaljhalia area of English Bazar. A bullet struck him near his head. Despite being rushed to Malda Medical College, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.